Interstate 490 runs in an arc from Rochester's eastern suburbs, passes through downtown, and returns to the Thruway via the western suburbs. It is generally the quickest way to get East-West in the metro area. It has major connections to Interstate 390 and Interstate 590.

In certain stretches, I-490 is constructed in the right-of-way of the old Erie Canal (you can see the stone remains of an old lock next the westbound lanes near Culver Road). The stretch from Exit 27 (Bushnell's Basin) to Exit 9 (Interstate 390) is known as the Erie Canal Expressway.

Interesting Links

Interstate 490 Wiki Article - is one of the best sources of the history, construction, and layout of the road. The article has a complete table with all the intersections, mileages, Wikipedia links to other roadway articles, as well as a lot of reference links.